Gang Members Convicted of Robbing Disabled Family Member

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained multiple convictions against two gang members who robbed a wheelchair-bound family member. Byron Edwin Hartshaw, 34, and Gary Lee Emory, 37, were convicted of Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Burglary. The jury also found that Hartshaw is a member of the Vice Lords criminal street gang and that Emory is a member of the Gangster Disciples. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on July 13 where both men face between fifteen and twenty-seven years in prison.

At trial, Assistant District Attorneys Phil Morton and TaKisha Fitzgerald explained to the jury that on October 1, 2016, Hartshaw and Emory went to the Morningside Apartments. The pair entered the apartment of Hartshaw’s uncle, who is a double-amputee, knocked him out of his wheelchair, held a gun to his head, and demanded money. Hartshaw and Emory beat the victim, took his wallet, and fled the scene. Knoxville Police Department Investigator Mike Washam was able to gather evidence leading to this conviction, including a surveillance video of the two celebrating after robbing and beating a disabled family member.

“These brazen criminals targeted who they thought would be a vulnerable victim,” said DA Charme Allen,”but the bravery of this victim showed that this community is not going to yield to the violence and intimidation used by street gangs.”

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.